Most Popular Books by Rosalind Kerven

The definitive book of stories from Arthurian legend. Delve into the enchanted world of Arthurian legends where you will meet the Knights of the Round Table, Wizard Merlin, King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. With plots full of romance, adventure and enchantment, these fascinating ancient tales have been revived by the author to reflect their origins in oral history and will appeal to a whole new generation of readers. Stories include Elaine Who Loved Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Tristan and Isolde and The Enchantment of Merlin, many of which have recently been adapted in modern cinema and remain a fascination within contemporary culture. The book also features detailed notes on each story and mentions specific places in Britain with Arthurian links, including properties such as Tintagel. Beautifully illustrated with images inspired by Arthurian legend by Arthur Rackham and others.

Enter a world in which magic exists, hope wins and every woman''s heart is alive with courage! This global feast of ancient tales features valiant women overcoming every kind of obstacle and danger to fulfil their destinies. Travel through Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and the Pacific. Shudder, cheer and laugh out loud as the heroines deal with trolls, faeries, dragons and ghosts; admire their knowledge, wit and cunning; marvel at shapeshifting and other manifestations of the supernatural. A rich collection of fairy tales, beautifully illustrated throughout with Joe McClaren woodcuts, this book is stitched together like a series of Scheherazade stories. It is story-telling at its best, pitch perfect fairy tales of fearless women for readers everywhere.

From mermaids to dragons, 16 ancient Celtic fairy tales retold with their histories The Celtic cultures of the British Isles – Ireland, Scotland and Wales – have produced some of the richest traditional tales in Europe. Three words best sum up their themes and flavour: adventure, enchantment and romance. In this book, Rosalind Kerven has revived the best Celtic fairy tales for a new generation. The stories are sourced from old folk tale collections from all three regions, alongside selected medieval Welsh and Irish texts. • Visit mysterious Otherworlds inside the hills and below the sea – including a land where only the truth is ever spoken. • Meet iconic characters such as the first great Welsh poet, Taliesin, and the mighty Irish hero, Fionn mac Cumhaill. • Cheer on bold Scots lasses such as Mallie Whuppy, as she outwits a fearsome giant, and Kate Crackernuts, who rescues a prince from bewitchment. • Encounter witches, fairies, a bogle, talking animals and strange underwater beings. Each story is retold from the medieval texts and oral storytelling traditions of Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with fascinating background notes and a long list of sources and further reading included. The background notes feature a list of source material, analyses of themes, and examples of similar legends from all over Europe.

* An important book about one of the world''s most inspirational yet least-known mythologies, written by an expert in the genre. * One of the most comprehensive collections of its kind. Based on three years'' research through hundreds of archives, revealing a treasure trove of material, some never before available to the general UK reader. * Over 100 ancient stories, verse narratives, songs, anecdotes and fragments of wisdom, sourced from 55 different Native American peoples.* Extraordinary allegories that explore universal human concerns, promoting harmony between people and respect for the environment.* Unforgettable characters include the Thunderbirds, Spider Woman, Raven, the Sun, Bear Mother and the Keeper of the Brains of the Dead.* Includes fascinating information about the original Native American storytellers and their diverse cultural backgrounds.

Re-issue of this highly acclaimed book, previously published by Cambridge University Press under the title In The Court of the Jade Emperor: Stories from Old China - first edition 1993, second edition 1999.Reviews from the first edition:** ''What riches there are to be read here! A wonderful variety of stories...and in a variety of tellers'' voices, so that every story is different and a delightful surprise. The language itself is immediate... the words have a truth and depth... this is a book both to instruct us on Chinese culture and to delight our narrative thirst. A real find!'' - School Librarian** ''luminously clear prose'' - Times Education Supplement** ''Rosalind Kerven is the author of a number of excellent retellings from around the world, and this collection is as good as the others. The language is lively and direct ... the stories have a timeless feel but are easy to read'' - English and Media Magazine ** SELECTED BY THE FEDERATION OF CHILDREN''S BOOK GROUPS FOR NATIONAL TELL A STORY WEEK, 1994A rich tapestry of stories full of extraordinary magic. Read about stern Dragon Kings and enchanted Dragon Princesses; laugh at the outrageous adventures of the super-hero King Monkey; mingle with a colourful crowd of gods and goddesses; visit the terrifying Palace of Boundless Cold; and even discover the secrets of Everlasting Life. The stories will transport you right into the heart and mind of ancient China - one of the oldest and greatest civilisations in the world. ** Stories tried and tested in primary schools over many years - perfect for reading alone or reading aloud ** Ideal for the government''s National Curriculum English statutory requirements: ''increasing familiarity with ... fairy stories, myths and legends''** Fun and informative for readers of all ages including adults.Full contents:THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF KING MONKEYPart 1 - In Which Monkey Proves That Nothing Is ImpossiblePart 2 - In Which Monkey Gets Too Big For His BootsPart 3 - In Which Monkey Tastes The Peaches Of ImmortalityPart 4 - In Which Monkey Takes A Giant Leap To NowhereWOMAN-OF-THE-MOON, MAN-OF-THE-SUNTHE FARMER AND THE WEAVING GODDESS (Selected for the Puffin Book of Stories for Nine-Year-Olds)DARKNESSTHE PALACE OF BOUNDLESS COLD (Selected for the Puffin Book of Stories for Eight-Year-Olds)THE GOLDEN KEYTHE MAN WHO DID DRAGON''S WORKTHE HOT PIG AND THE DRAGON PRINCESSTHE GIRL WHO WENT HER OWN WAYCAKES AND KITCHENSSTORM GIRLTHE BOYS WHO FELL OUT OF TIMEBACKGROUND TO THE STORIES

12 classic English fairy tales and their history, from tales of dragons to Robin Hood. Folk tales and legends are an intrinsic part of English national culture. In his book, Rosalind Kerven has revived the best English fairy tales for a new generation. These are stories of giants, dragons, fairies and Arthurian Romance. Together, they form a perfect introduction to the different types of traditional stories and their place in English oral and written heritage. Each tale is linked with a specific place or county in England: ''The Dragon Castle'' from Northumberland, ''The Girl Snatched By Fairies'' from County Durham, ''The Princess and the Fool'' from Kent and ''The Dark Moon'' from Lincolnshire. The book also includes notes on each story: the history and where it came from, its development and short summaries of many related or similar stories.

A unique collection of traditional stories about faeries, elves and goblins. Faeries, elves, goblins, leprechauns, brownies, spriggans and many other supernatural beings leap vividly off the page in this collection of haunting stories. Included are 25 stories drawing on folklore from the rich narrative heritage of Britain and Ireland. Marvel over ancient spells to summon faeries to your house, tremble at the shapeshifting powers of dangerous faery queens, lose yourself amongst the illusions of Faeryland and learn how to protect family members from the terrors of faery abduction. Interspersed with facts on faery folklore, these tales cover faery morals, elvish misdemeanours, the spells cast by goblins and the sightings of the creatures, as well as their dealings with mortals. With charming illustrations from favourite illustrators throughout, including Arthur Rackham, this book reminds us of the enduring appeal of folklore and mystery for all generations.

An accessible, meticulously researched introduction to Viking Age oral literature - 34 stories based on the oldest texts, authentically interpreted and retold by a highly acclaimed storyteller.The ONLY book to feature little known Viking Age sagas and heroic legends alongside the Norse myths - and the FIRST major new retellings of the myths for 35 years.*Brings alive all the most significant and interesting Viking Age stories, painting vivid portraits of Viking people, culture and beliefs.*Includes many fascinating tales previously only known within the academic world.*Each story complemented by detailed notes discussing its origins, similar narratives, archaeological evidence etc.*Also features authentic Viking Age proverbs, poems, riddles and spells.*Introduces many iconic Viking women: real life queens, noblewomen, farmwives and slaves; alongside mythical giantesses, goddesses and valkyries.*Presents the true story of the Vikings'' discovery of North America 500 years before Columbus; legends of the cursed ring that inspired Tolkien, and the Viking story behind Shakespeare''s Hamlet.Written in consultation with leading academics.*

Two adventure stories based on the myths about the Irish hero Finn. In The Magic Drinking Horn Finn and his band are hunting in the forest when they fall under the spell of a fierce giant. In The Land Beyond the Sunset Finn''s son, Oisin, falls in love with a mysterious woman on a white horse.

* A UNIQUE collection of romantic stories from the 12th - 15th centuries.* Authentically and entertainingly retold from translations of the original, very lengthy and complex texts.* Almost thirty stories - both famous and little known - from England, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, Spain and Wales.* Dramatic adventures in courtly love, mystical passion, bawdy and jocular tales, tragedy, scandal and feminist longing.* Written by a highly acclaimed expert in world legends* Essential reading for anyone interested in the popular thought and culture of the Middle Ages''Rosalind Kerven, connoisseur of myths and folktales... has translated and condensed sprawling, beautiful but inaccessible original texts from the 12th to 15th centuries into concise, elegant tales. Capturing Christian, Muslim and folk influences at play in western Europe during this period, they celebrate romantic love at the same time as offering some salient points of comparison.'' - THE INDEPENDENTDISCOVER:- The 12th century #MeToo scandal of Abelard & Heloise- Why a medieval feminist condemned the bestselling ''Romance of the Rose''- The secret heartache behind Dante''s seminal work, ''Divine Comedy''- Bawdy tales from Chaucer and Boccaccio- Why men were banned from the mysterious City of Ladies- How Queen Guinevere''s affair with Sir Lancelot brought down the legendary King Arthur- The tear-jerking twists and turns of Portuguese romantic epic, ''Amadis & Oriana''................................................................................................................................................"e;A fine collection of medieval stories...A great introduction to the whole area"e;- Professor Helen Cooper, University of Cambridge"e;A spicy collection... authentically and accessibly retold"e; - The Bookseller''A well selected collection of accessible translations''- Dr. Andrew Dunning, Curator of Medieval Manuscripts, Bodleian Libraries, Oxford

Myths and legends involving quests and journeys are found in many cultures. Throughout history, people have told stories of heroes and heroines grappling with monsters, evil spirits, the elements and the gods. The stories have been expressed in song, dance, literature and art, and given rise to countless myths ang legends. They mirror the dreams and hopes of women and men for exciting adventures beyond their everyday experience. This book includes ten quest stories from around the world, showing how they have been interpreted, retold and passed down the centuries. Some of the illustrations are reproduced from illuminated manuscripts in the collection of the British Library. The introduction, by Penelope Lively, discusses the nature of quest myths and how they have permeated the storytelling of so many cultures.

THRILLING, ACTION PACKED HISTORICAL ADVENTURESVividly set in the Viking Age - full of sword fights, treasure, pirates, adventurous sea journeys, kings, queens, runes and belief in the supernatural.Four-books-in-one edition of this HIGHLY ACCLAIMED series, recommended by numerous reviewers, teachers and young readers. - ''If you''ve not discovered Grim Gruesome yet, where have you been! ...Vividly told scary adventure...you can''t stop reading'' - Primary Times- ''Dahl-style jokes and adventure'' - The Times - ''horrible but also funny...wonderful'' - TES- ''Full of twists and turns that you are desperate to follow'' - www.justimaginestorycentre.co.uk- ''A page turner...dramatic and vivid...fast-paced and enjoyable'' - Birmingham Post- Shortlisted for the Solihull Children''s Book Award and Lancashire Fantastic Book AwardAN UNFORGETTABLE VILLAIN!Grim Gruesome is a mysterious, hideous, shape-shifting trickster - charismatic yet evil, the terror of the North Lands. He has sworn to harm as many children as he can. No one has ever seen his face, but he can be recognised by his repulsive, pus-oozing finger stump with hypnotic powers.In each story Grim appears incognito, and in a different disguise, to lure young victims into his power. He weakens them with terrifying threats and throws them into horrifically dangerous situations. At first escape seems impossible. However, in true fairy tale style, children always overcome him by drawing on their own courage, determination and inner strength. LOTS OF CHILD APPEAL- Child-centred fiction with the emphasis on a gripping, thrilling story. - Strong appeal to both girls and boys- Written in a page-turning style with short chapters ending on cliffhangers.- Scary yet buoyant and touched with dark humour.- Vividly written: rich plots and colourful characters.- Short chapters, snappy sentences and constant drama - accessible to all reading abilities.- Language that''s direct and pithy - look out for some unique Viking curses!

World of Festivals retells the stories and legends which are central to the origins of each festival as well as the historical, cultural and religious importance. This title explores the festival of Ramadan and Id-ul-Fitr, describing the different harvests, rites and rituals.

For this collection of folk tales Rosalind Kerven has chosen traditional stories from twelve different North American Indian peoples. She has grouped her selection of stories around the recurrent themes of the sun, moon and stars; fantastical journeys; and two popular cultural heroes, Spider Woman, a benevolent sorceress, and Coyote the trickster. Her retellings beautifully convey the mystical atmosphere of the original stories and bring out the Native American''s affinity with and respect for the natural world. A factual introduction explains the traditional role of story telling and gives background to past and present North American culture.

While on holiday David and Emma meet the Rushing family who have developed a special rapport with the wild animals sharing their remote mountain home but all this is threatened by a proposal to build a resort in the area.

A retelling of the Australian aborigine folktale in which people from the Dream Time acquire fire from the selfish spirits who created the world.

A retelling of the story of the boy fated to be the "Once and Future King," covering his glorious reign and his tragic, yet triumphant, passing. Illustrated notes throughout the text explain the historical background of the story. Suggested level: intermediate, junior secondary.